Best Coffee in Canada?

[spender]

You in the US have your Black Cat, what coffee do people recommend in Canada? I'm sure there's something on the West Coast (Vancouver) or Montreal that stands out. Any suggestions people?

[wildbwilson]

Here in Vancouver I'm a big fan of John Sanders - he roasts under the Hines and Origins labels. The Hines Espresso and decaf Espresso are classic subtle coffees that prefer life without milk. 49th Parallel is also good and are now to be found in retail locations around town.

[Marv]

Does anyone know if it is possible to mail order from John Sanders?

Thank you

Marvin

[sarahendipity]

Yes you can, look for 'Origins coffee'. Sorry, I don't have the number handy. The 'Spro' is really good. They ship on the Greyhound bus to me, but I'm not that far from Vancouver. Give them a call, they are very helpful.

[cafeIKE]

Discovery Coffee in Victoria was quite good in October 2006.
Sam Jones [?] is supposed to be good according to friends that live in Victoria.

I mention the date because, a previously very good shop is through the metal and into the paint.

[MellowCat]

Ok - how about Toronto then?
I'd like to know cause I no longer live there, and would be nice to know when I get back. Thanks,

[ChrisC]

I second the Discovery Coffee in Victoria recommendation, by the way. Great folks. Bought an Espro tamper and some cleaning supplies from them (and of course some great coffee) when I was out there for Christmas. They have a Synesso (I think they're a Canadian retailer) and a Clover, and roast in-house. Logo in the window is 'Roasting. Wholesale. Education.'

They have a blog here, with some pictures.

Which reminds me, I should really post those pics from when I met Reg Barber at his factory in Victoria and he made me a tamper...

[spender]

Thanks to the person who recommended 49th Parallel, I bought some via mail and it's amazing!

[wildbwilson]

Spender,
49th Parallel is the mother company that was Cafe Artigano (sold and suffering) and they are now releasing their own product. I've tried a few blends and they are all good with the decaf being my go to for the time being. My understanding is these coffees (espresso blends) are lab tested with La Marzocco machines which give them a denser mouthfeel than I pull with my La Cimbali. I can't wait to see what they do with the cup of exellence lots and other such treasures that they focused on over the past couple of years.
-Ian